_A_ Twig in bloom (1/2). _B_ Flower (3/1). _C_ Flower in vertical section (3/1). _D_ Leaf of flower (6/1) _E_ Bean-pod in vertical section (6/1) _F_ Bean-pod in cross section (9/1). _H_ Anther. _J_ Pollen.] The shell encloses a soft, sweetish pulp, within which from twenty-five to forty almond shaped seeds are ranged in five longitudinal rows, close to each other. The white colour of these seeds is frequently tinged with yellow, crimson, or violet (Sec. Fig. 2 C. D. & G). [Illustration: Fig. 2. (After Berg & Schmidt). _A_ Fruit with half of shell removed (1/2). _B_ Fruit in cross section (1/2). _C_ Side view of seed (1/3). _D_ Front view of seed (1/1). _E_ Seedling (1/1). _F_ Kotyledon or Seed-leaf (1/1). _G_ Seed in cross section (1/1).] The fruits ripen throughout the whole year, though but slowly during the dry season; and the time needed for its full development is about four months. It may be gathered at all times of the year, although there are regular gathering seasons, determined and modified by the respective climatic conditions. So, for example, we find that in Brazil the principal gathering takes place in February and July, whilst in Mexico it is in March and April. In the primeval Amazonian forests the fruit of the cacao tree is gathered and brought to market at all times of the year, wherever Indian tribes obtain. b) Geographical Distribution and History of the Cacao Tree. The cacao tree flourishes in a warm, moist climate. It is therefore indigenous to tropical America, from 23° north to 15° or 20° south latitude. Consequently the area in which it grows comprises the Central American republic of Mexico down to the Isthmus of Panama; Guatemala, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, Martinique, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Granada, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, and San Domingo; in South America, the republics of Venezuela, Columbia, Guiana, Ecuador, Peru and the northern parts of Brazil, especially the districts lying along the middle Amazon.